The Queer Dot

22 April – 24 April

Preview and Panel Discussion

Monday 22 April, 5.30 – 7.30pm

Queer history has a complicated past, which has led to key moments in history such as the Stonewall riots and the reclaiming of the Pink triangle; originally a marker of shame later being re-appropriated as a symbol of positive identity. Then there is the AIDS epidemic, which saw many gay men being dehumanised and isolated from society. These moments in history laid the groundwork for many modern human rights movements, including queer rights, but are often ignored in an educational and institutional setting. Acknowledging history in relation to the present, The Queer Dot will host a reading section with a spotlight on Marsha P. Johnson and throughout the exhibition will address contemporary queer concerns. The exhibition title, The Queer Dot, is a play on the term “the year dot” meaning the first day of history, drawing attention to the fact that queer people have always been here.

Featuring works from current and past students who have attended the University of Dundee, The Queer Dot features works relating to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, trans, non-binary and queer experiences. The Queer Dot positively highlights contributions from students on the queer spectrum and explores what it means to be queer in 2019. Looking at the world through a queer lens, the exhibition features intimate works of art which relay contemporary experiences and the issues today’s generation are faced with - revealing a variety of identities and stories, from the experience of coming out, to challenging social constructs. With works across different disciplines - including installation, print, performance, video, digital and photography - the exhibition celebrates artists across the queer spectrum.

A panel discussion will take place on the opening night. Invited guests will discuss intersectionality, identity, and queer culture in relation to institutions. Reflecting upon the past the panel will discuss what is different for the present LGBTQIA+ community in Dundee now, compared to how it might have been in the past.

The panel will be chaired by artist, feminist and DJCAD MFA student Cal McKeon, who will be joined by; curator Eoin Dara, the current head of exhibitions at the DCA; Alex Muir, the creator of TSI – Trans Sports Initiative; Alex Robin Gardner, the convenor for Trans Pride Scotland; Margarita Kalamara, a PHD student studying Biological Sciences at the University of Dundee; and podcasters Sekai Machache and Matthew Dowdall, from FFN podcast.